The town of Vannes dates from the first century B.C. when it was
known as Darioritum and like many of the important Breton towns the
original "old town" is situated within the fortified city
walls. Large sections of the ramparts still remain and walking around
these offers exceptional views of the town. At the centre of the old
town lies the cathedral whose construction was started in the 13th
century. Among the many sites to see within the walls is the Morbihan
Archaeological Museum which gives a fascinating insight into early
settlements in Brittany with examples from excavations at the many
megalithic sites such as Carnac.
Situated at the head of the Gulf of Morbihan, Vannes has a
large port area. The visitor is free to meander around the port
simply looking at the boats or may take one of the many boat
excursions on offer.
Vannes has a good selection of restaurants and shops
and the tourist office runs themed tours of the town throughout the year.
In the countryside around Vannes there are a number of castles
and nature reserves where the visitor can pass a pleasant time in the
calm surroundings.
Gulf of Morbihan
The Gulf of Morbihan is an inland sea with large a number of
Islands within its boundaries. The Gulf measures 20km by 15km at its
widest point and is tidal having a narrow channel opening into the
Atlantic Ocean. The largest island in the Gulf is Monks Island (Ile
ay Moins) with a population of 600. The island is a beautiful tourist
resort with sandy beaches and a tranquil atmosphere. The second
largest island is Arz which has a population of around 300 and a
number of megalithic monuments. Many other islands in the Gulf are
privately owned and uninhabited. On the Gavrines Island there is one
of the largest and best preserved stone tumulus in existence . It is
possible to see but visits are strictly controlled
The town of Vannes dates from the first century B.C. when it was
known as Darioritum and like many of the important Breton towns the
original "old town" is situated within the fortified city
walls. Large sections of the ramparts still remain and walking around
these offers exceptional views of the town. At the centre of the old
town lies the cathedral whose construction was started in the 13th
century. Among the many sites to see within the walls is the Morbihan
Archaeological Museum which gives a fascinating insight into early
settlements in Brittany with examples from excavations at the many
megalithic sites such as Carnac.
Vannes has a good selection of restaurants and shops
and the tourist office runs themed tours of the town throughout the year.